Close X
Sunday, January 12, 2025
ADVT 
National

Baird declines invite for special Syria meeting at Davos that includes Iran

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 21 Jan, 2015 02:18 PM

    OTTAWA — Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird plans to take a pass on this week's high-level meeting, chaired by his Norwegian counterpart, on the future of Syria at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.

    However, Baird will attend separate sessions Thursday on the crisis in Ukraine and a meeting focused on the instability being caused by militants in Iraq and Syria.

    The details are contained in a copy of Baird's updated itinerary obtained by The Canadian Press.

    Baird was among two dozen international figures invited to what was billed as a make-or-break discussion on Syria, along with representatives from Iraq, Jordan, France, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and the League of Arab States.

    Also on the guest list is Iran's foreign minister. Canada has severed relations with Iran, a country that's often a target for criticism from Baird.

    Baird's office won't discuss the details of his four days in Davos, but his itinerary says he will have roundtable discussions with some unnamed chief executives while the Norway-led talks on Syria are taking place.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    A timeline of Julian Fantino's troubled tenure as veterans affairs minister

    A timeline of Julian Fantino's troubled tenure as veterans affairs minister
    OTTAWA — Julian Fantino's tenure as minister of Veterans Affairs was troubled by controversy almost from the time he took office in July 2013. Here's a look:

    A timeline of Julian Fantino's troubled tenure as veterans affairs minister

    Erin O'Toole appointed to Veterans Affairs, but Fantino stays in cabinet

    OTTAWA — After an 18-month tenure marred by controversy, confrontation and cries of incompetence, Julian Fantino has been booted out of the Veterans Affairs portfolio and demoted to his old job as a junior minister.

    Erin O'Toole appointed to Veterans Affairs, but Fantino stays in cabinet

    A few thousand Quebecers still without electricity after power outages

    A few thousand Quebecers still without electricity after power outages
    MONTREAL — About 4,000 Quebec households are still without electricity today after power outages caused by freezing rain Sunday.

    A few thousand Quebecers still without electricity after power outages

    Program has led to 51 criminals on wanted list being removed from Canada: Blaney

    Program has led to 51 criminals on wanted list being removed from Canada: Blaney
    MONTREAL — Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney says 51 criminals on the Canada Border Services Agency's wanted list have been intercepted since the program was set up in 2011.

    Program has led to 51 criminals on wanted list being removed from Canada: Blaney

    Dalhousie University suspends 13 dentistry students in Facebook scandal

    Dalhousie University suspends 13 dentistry students in Facebook scandal
    HALIFAX — Dalhousie University has suspended 13 dentistry students from clinical activities over misogynistic comments that were allegedly posted on a social media site, saying it wants to ensure the safety of patients and classmates.

    Dalhousie University suspends 13 dentistry students in Facebook scandal

    Domestic violence training important after death of woman who called 911: judge

    Domestic violence training important after death of woman who called 911: judge
    EDMONTON — A judge's report on an Alberta woman killed by her boyfriend despite calling for help says domestic violence training for police and 911 operators needs to be constantly updated.

    Domestic violence training important after death of woman who called 911: judge